No lack of educated women

November 11 was declared as ‘Malala Day’ by UN Special Envoy for Global Education and former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. In the west, people are also recommending a Nobel Peace Prize for Malala Yousufzai. Whether Malala deserves a Noble Peace Prize or not is debatable, thousands of people are calling on world leaders to support their appeal. Nevertheless, the attack on Malala was highly condemnable and responsively the people of Pakistan, including the Pakistani media demonstrated remarkable support for Malala with unity, which was praiseworthy. As the attack on Malala was heavily condemned by United States and the western world, Pakistani government also found free space to use the attack on Malala as a tool to build support from the western world, as usual using every occasion to further their own personal gains.The admiration and importance given to Malala by the United States and United Kingdom is understandable as Malala serves as a symbol of the continuous fight for the freedom of education for girls in Pakistan. Nevertheless, it is creating an impression that the education for girls is banned in Pakistan. The truth is that except for some tribal areas, Pakistani girls are given equal access to education by the government and private sectors serving in education. Girls are found in equal number in schools, universities and colleges across Pakistan. Pakistani girls and women are found serving in almost every profession and industry. In a large male dominated society, gender equality and equity is an issue faced by women traditionally across many generations across South Asia. Pakistan over the years has strengthened its female workforce and has empowered women through education, and is making steady progress. I would like our media to take up this as a cause and let the world know of the wonderful educated women of Pakistan. We have come a long way to let the world still think of us as an uncivilised country with women who have no rights. There may be cases of women subjugations but that can happen anywhere. There are cases of domestic violence and rape even in the western world. We need to give appositive and clear picture of the Pakistani educated women to the west.SYED ATIQ UL HASSAN, Sydney, November 11.